The Whitecourt Minor Hockey Association (WMHA) has undergone several changes over the past year, such as integrating with a new league and creating a five-year strategic plan.

"We have an active program ranging from initiation to midgets," said WMHA president Alan Deane.

Last year, WMHA integrated itself into the Northern Alberta Interlock. Deane stated that communities in the past had to make the choice to leave leagues, which might impact any teams that wish to remain in their old leagues.

However, Deane explained that WMHA didn't have to leave Sturgeon Pembina Hockey League when it joined Northern Alberta Interlock.

"Nobody had to leave any leagues," he said. "All of the communities were just wrapped up into this large organization and that group of volunteers were charged with creating competitive leagues and leagues that made sense from a travel point of view etcetera and those organizers have done a fantastic job."

WMHA also created a strategic plan in April 2017 meant to ensure a "stable future" for minor hockey in Whitecourt. The plan states its five core priorities are member education, player and coach development, sustainable and stable operations, celebrating successes and ensuring players and teams are tiered properly.

Regarding sustainable and stable operations, Deane said WMHA sets its fees so it can cover costs such as ice and referees while also putting money towards player and coach development.

"We wanted to make sure our fees were fair to mom and dad, but also were going to be able to sustain us," he said.

WMHA has also hired professional instructors to help players brush up their skills during camps scheduled on professional development days for local schools.

"That was one of the things we've earmarked," Deane said.

Minor hockey is currently in its tail end of the season with the playoffs in sight. The Atom A team will be hosting the Hockey Alberta Atom A Provincial Tournament in Whitecourt from March 15 to 18.